Rockland residents rally against FAA fly plan

Rockland County residents, officials and some lawmakers took their fight against a plan to route airline traffic overhead to the streets of Nanuet Sunday.

The FAA hopes to save five to six minutes each on delayed flights coming into Newark Airport by flying planes over the county. While residents said they aren't against progress, they said they are against increased noise and pollution. Officials also expressed safety concerns.

"How in God's name can we possibly add 600 planes down the same target sight that came in on Sept. 11 to the Twin Towers?" asked Rockland County Sheriff Jim Kralik.

Kralik said it appears as though the FAA has not consulted the Department of Homeland Security or local officials who have requested a no-fly zone over the Indian Point nuclear power plant.

"Our message is clear to the federal government," said local lawmaker Patrick Withers. "Federal bureaucrats should not [make] decisions about our quality of life without consulting Rocklanders."

The county has retained a law firm to pursue possible legal action against the FAA.

The FAA expects to make a final decision on the plan in less than two weeks.